Senator Amara Konneh has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the chaotic and corruption-laden fight against drugs in Liberia, urging a stronger, more accountable response to a national security crisis threatening the country’s future. Referencing a troubling case in which a Liberian woman boarded a plane in Bangkok carrying nearly $200,000 worth of cocaine, transited Nairobi undetected, and arrived safely in Monrovia, Senator Konneh said the incident remains a mystery and a wake-up call.
He stressed that such a breach in global and national security systems suggests the involvement of larger forces including drug cartels and corrupt officials. His remarks were further underscored by recent revelations made by a dismissed deputy of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) at a Ministry of Information press conference. “The raids and arrests of small-time dealers and vulnerable users may create positive public relations moments, but they are insufficient,” Senator Konneh said. “The real fight must be directed at dismantling the cartels and exposing the government officials who protect them.”
He emphasized that Liberia is at a crossroads, warning that the drug epidemic has escalated into a major national security threat. According to him, while Liberia boasts one of the strongest drug laws in West Africa, the problem is not the law but the failure of leadership and the persistence of corruption within law enforcement and governance structures.
Looking ahead, Senator Konneh announced that he will push for a full Senate investigation into the drug crisis, including public hearings, when the Legislature returns from recess. He maintained that accountability and transparency are essential if Liberia is to mount a strong and effective resistance against narcotics trafficking. “Our nation has the power to change the narrative,” Senator Konneh declared. “We must act with urgency to dismantle this threat and secure a safer, brighter future for all Liberians.”
